This is an archive article published on July 10, 2024
BMW hit-and-run case: Shinde Sena sacks Rajesh Shah, father of accused
According to police, the BMW car involved in the accident belongs to Rajesh Shah and he allegedly helped his son destroy evidence. Mihir was arrested on Tuesday.
A day after the arrest of Mihir Shah, the accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday sacked his father Rajesh Shah from the post of deputy leader of the Shiv Sena’s Palghar unit.
Rajesh Shah, who was also the district chief of Palghar, was arrested on Monday by the Mumbai police along with his driver Rajrishi Bidawat on the changes of destroying evidence on Monday.
According to police, the BMW car involved in the accident belongs to Rajesh Shah and he allegedly helped his son destroy evidence. Mihir was arrested on Tuesday.
“As per the orders of Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde, Rajesh Shah of Palghar has been relieved from the post of deputy leader (Palghar),” the party order signed by Sena secretary Sanjay More said.
Shinde also announced a financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Kaveri Nakhwa, 45, the BMW hit-and-run case victim.
“All legal or financial support will be provided to the family of the victim by the government. I believe that the victim’s family is like our family. The victim’s family would be given compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s relief fund,” he said.
The chief minister said no one who is involved in the hit-and-run case would be spared. “Action would be taken against them. I have also ordered to take strict action against illegal bars, pubs, and other related activities. Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and no one will be special treatment. No one will be supported or helped. The action is already being taken,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Opposition slammed the government over the accident and for a delay in the arrest of Mihir Shah. Sena UBT leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray demanded that the accused should be tried for murder and not just hit and run.
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“The case should be tried in a fast-track court and stern punishment should be given to Mihir. Why was he allowed to be on the run for 60 hours? Who was shielding him,” asked Aaditya after he along with Congress leader Aslam Shaikh met the victim’s family.
Kaveri Nakhwa, 45, was killed on Sunday morning when the speeding BMW car, allegedly being driven by Mihir, hit the two-wheeler on which she was travelling with her husband, Pradeep Nakhwa, in Worli. She was dragged on for almost two kilometres.
Aaditya also asked if the state government will also run a bulldozer on Mihir Shah’s home, as it does in other
cases.
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that efforts are being made by the government to save the accused. “The case in Worli is similar to the Pune Porshe case. Check the criminal records of the father of the accused. How did he become a person close to the Chief Minister? He has connections with the underworld,” said Raut.
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“This is not a mere accident. This must be treated like a murder case. They allowed him to remove the party symbol from the car and the number plate. Who was supporting them? Will the CM show the guts to run a bulldozer on Mihir Rajesh Shah’s home too,” Aaditya said.
The victim’s family members demanded death penalty for the accused. “My mother should get justice and the accused should not be spared. I want him (Mihir Shah) to get the death penalty. She (the victim) was in a lot of pain, I saw her in the hospital,” saud Amruta, daughter of Kaveri.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora also visited the Nakhwas and assured them of “unwavering support in getting them justice”.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
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